Digital Nomads Thrive in a Luxury RV

In 2020, 10.9 million people in the US considered themselves digital nomads, according to a recent report from Harvard Business Review. Remote work isn’t really a new concept, but the explosion of technology in recent years has made it considerably easier for those not tied to an office, like many freelancers and consultants, to hit the road with their recreational vehicle and laptop. And, as the pandemic sent people home from their offices, it opened the eyes of many full-time workers to the possibilities of a life on the road.

It’s easy to see why people are embracing the freedom of a lifestyle that blends work and travel. The pace of life, which is arguably slower than the 9-5 grind, is appealing to many. You work where you want, wearing whatever you want, and depending on the type of job you have, when you want. Some days, your office may be in your house. Other days, you may be conducting business from your luxury RV as you take in a view of the ocean, the mountains, or a pristine wilderness. You can even take your office to your clients.

There are a few things that will ensure your success as a digital nomad. Let’s explore some of the keys to making your luxury RV the ultimate remote office.

Connectivity is Key
Whether you’re living as a digital nomad in your RV full time, or you’re just planning road trips for a few weeks at a time, you simply have to maintain your connection to the world. These days, that means you need a solid internet connection and a cell phone.

Campground Wi-Fi connections are notorious, and not in a good way. They’re often unreliable and impossibly slow thanks to your fellow campers streaming their favorite shows. This is why most digital nomads have taken steps to ensure that using the campground’s “free” internet is a last resort. Instead, you’ll want a reliable cellular plan that has coverage in the parts of the country where you want to travel. Many RVers sign up for multiple plans to ensure they have the best coverage regardless of where they’re camped. This is why Bowlus comes with a cell router and slots for two SIM cards. You could use the hotspot built into your phone and then pick up an additional hotspot from another provider.

Remember that many remote parts of the country don’t have the same internet and cell phone infrastructure that you’ll find in the city. Yellowstone National Park, for instance, has very limited cell phone service, so you won’t want to schedule a conference call for the same day you’re planning to see Old Faithful. In fact, many digital nomads have a primary connectivity plan, a backup plan, and a backup to the backup. Some common backup plans include using free hotspots from cell or internet providers, hanging out in the local library, or grabbing a Zoom call in the local coffee shop. Some cities even offer hotspots in public facilities.

Bowlus is built with remote work in mind, but if you’re not in one of our luxury RVs and are planning on having the campground Wi-Fi be one of your backups, always call and make sure that it’s working. You may have better luck with the Wi-Fi in a luxury RV resort than you’d have in a more basic campground. It’s also a good idea to check out the campground’s reviews to see what people are saying about the Wi-Fi (you can also learn about which cell phone providers have good service in the campground). These days, you won’t be the only one looking to work remotely! It’s best to plan before you go by downloading an app that can help you find a hotspot wherever you are. While it probably goes without saying you’ll also want to practice smart surfing when you’re on a public Wi-Fi; don’t log into your banking or other sensitive accounts – do that from your personal hotspot.

Invest in Technology
Many luxury motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers come with additional technology to help ensure your RV is a powerful workspace. Every Bowlus comes with charging stations for your phone, tablet, and laptop. The Terra Firma and Endless Highways Edition also come standard with a cellular booster that will enhance the reception of your phone or hotspot regardless of the carrier. The Endless Highways Edition features a robust router and an antenna pre-wired on the roof. Just hook up to an external Wi-Fi, or up to two different cellular networks, and you’re ready to securely log in.

One other amazing feature that makes the Bowlus one of the best RVs for digital nomads is the fact that even if you’re boondocking, you can get online, so long as you have a bar on your phone. Bowlus offers an incredible lithium battery and a highly efficient solar system that powers all the outlets in our luxury travel trailers. When you’re in a Bowlus, you can live the RV lifestyle and work without electric hookups indefinitely!

Creature Comforts
Digital nomads will tell you that one of the biggest keys to their success is creating a comfortable workspace, whether they’re in a class A motorcoach or a luxury travel trailer. You want an RV with a floor plan that offers separate spaces for the bedroom, bathroom, and living areas, so you can create zones for you and your travel companions. The dinette in a luxury RV is often the best multitasking space in your RV. The Bowlus dinette offers a comfortable workspace for two people, but when you add in the sofa side table, you can easily accommodate five for a meeting.

More than just a functional space, a luxury RV offers all the comforts of home for the digital nomad. It’s easy to pop into the kitchen to grab a snack during the day. The plush, meticulously stitched furniture and heated floors also provide a warm environment for you and any visiting clients.

Digital Nomad Tips
If you’re new to the digital nomad lifestyle, here are a few tips to get you started:
Become a time management pro – this is key to ensuring that you can continue to successfully work and travel without burnout.

• Eliminate distractions, especially if you’re traveling with other people. Part of this is buying a RV that has some private spaces, as noted above. You may also want to invest in noise cancelling headphones and remove any non-work related clutter from sight.
• Find your ideal work – travel balance. One of the reasons you chose to become a digital nomad is so you could work and hit the open road, so don’t forget to enjoy the place where you’re camped. You may want to schedule your free time, just to make sure you actually get to enjoy the sites.
• Think outside of the box when planning your week. Depending on the type of work you do, you may be able to re-write the traditional work week. Consider checking out the area’s attractions on a weekday when they’re less crowded, and then work on the weekends. There are no rules when you’re a digital nomad!
• Set realistic expectations. Don’t plan to work on travel days. Experienced RVers will tell you that travel days are busy. Traffic and other unexpected things can delay your arrival at your site, and you don’t want to have to set up camp and then get to the business of making money. And be wary of trying to sneak in a few hours of work in the morning, as that could push your arrival at your next site late into the evening and setting up in the dark is no fun.
• Set up a workspace – in other words, don’t work from the bed. Even with the most comfortable bed, your productivity will be lower and your back sore by the end of the day. Outdoor workspaces can be great, but consider campground noise, sun glare, and the weather when setting up your office al fresco. At minimum, your RV’s office space should allow you to see the great outdoors, which is easy to do with Bowlus’ large side windows. You’ll also want a place to stash your laptop and work items at the end of the day. Just because you work remotely doesn’t mean you need to work all day every day!